Air and other separators



March 5, 1935. A E 1,992,942

AIR AND OTHER SEPARATORS Filed June 9, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORPatented Mar. 5, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 45 Claims.

This invention relates to fluid current separators in which the currentis used to separate fine from coarse material, and aims to provideimprovements especially applicable to such de- 5 vices.

Heretofore air separators have comprised a casing enclosing a chamber, areceptacle in said chamberhaving upper and lower openings com-.

municating therewith, means for causing a curl rent of air to now upthrough said receptacle and upper opening into said chamber and returnthrough said lower opening, and means for intro: ducing pulverulentmaterial into said current within said receptacle, to permit the currentto float fine particles into said chamber as the coarser particles fallas tailings from said receptacle. The distributing means have beenadjustable to vary their vertical distance from the upper opening,and'current varying means have 20 been provided, for the purpose ofvarying the have been suspended by a vertically stationary.

bearing, as to which for varying separation they 30 have been verticallyadjusted by vertically stationary adjustment means revolving withthem, aconstruction involving suspension of operation for adjusting theni upand down todetermine their vertical position-suited to the fineness ofsepaand adjustments and tests until the desired result hasbeen-obtained; to improve whichmy present invention provides verticallymovable 40 bearing means for such a distributor or baflie,

-vertically movable therewith; for rotatablysuspending them, and foradjusting them up and down during their rotation, for eflectingsuchadjustment during such rotation and without stopping: oi operation,which vertically movable ration desired, and requiring successivestoppages bearing means is preferably non-rotary, for

" axially movable, as distinguished from my present vertically movablebearing -vertically movable with the distributor and'by which it isrevolubly suspended; and in my said patent I haveshown and claimed arotary ring of circumierentially spaced horizontally extended uptossersaround the 5 distributor for upwardly impelling distributed material, asdistinguished from the rotary ring of circumferentially spacedvertically extended bafiie stirrers spaced f iom the distributor and"depended downwardly across its zone of distrlbution ion interceptingsuch material and horlzontally deflecting it through the spaces betweenthem, of my present invention.

Another example pf an air separator is shown in my Patent No. 1,834,095dated December 1, 1931, in which I have shown and claimed a verticallyadjustable rotary baflle below and adjacent the upper outlet from aseparating chamber and suspended from a vertically stationary bearing bya rotary suspension shaft relatively to which it is vertically adjustedby adjustment means revolving with it and requiring stoppage ofoperation for vertical adjustment of the baflie, as distinguished fromthe vertically movable non-rotary bearing, vertically movable with thebaflle, for vertically adjusting it during operation, of my presentinvention; and in my said Patent No.' 1,834,095 I have shown and claimeda ring of circumferentially spaced horizontally extended material'uptossers below. the distributor, for uptossing materialialling below itszone 0! distributiomas distinguished from the rotary ring ofcircumferentially spaced vertically depended baflle stirrers around anddepended from above the distributor downwardly across its zone ofdistribution, for laterally deflecting through its spaces-distributedmaterial in such zone, of my present invention.

Another example of anair separator is shown in my Patent No. 1,876,516dated September 6,

1932 in which I have shown and claimed a ver- 40 1 tically adjustabledistributor revolubly suspended from a vertically stationary bearing, asto which it is axially adjusted by vertically stationary rotaryadjustment means, requiring stoppage oi. operation for its adjustment upand down, as distinguished from the vertically movable nonrotary meansof my present invention, vertically movable with the distributor duringits rotation, for adjusting it up and down during operation; andin mysaid Patent No. 1,856,516 I have shown and claimed an automaticallyoperated shutoff gate above the separator, and a vertically movf I abletailings receiver, responsive to variations in the weight of the streamof tailings flowing on to it, and operatively connected to said gate,ror

automatically varying said gate with variations in the weight of suchstream, and a variable speed revoluble blower revolved by a speedrevertically variable distributor, baflies, internal.

supply pipe, and other automatically vertically movable internal partswithin a separating chamber and connected to and vertically sustained byand automatically vertically moved by such a responsive receiver withvariations in the weight of the material flowing on to such a responsivereceiver, of my present invention.

Another example of an air separator is shown in my application SerialNo. 687,359 filed January 19, 1924, in which I have shown and claimed avertically adjustable distributor carried by a vertically stationarybearing and vertically adjusted relatively to said bearing by verticallystationary rotary adjustment means revoluble with and as to which saiddistributor is vertically adjustable, and requiring stoppage ofoperation for adjusting the distributor up and down, as distinguishedfrom my vertically movable nonrotary bearing for the distributor,vertically movable with it and on which it is revolubly mounted, forvertically adjusting it during its rotation and without stoppingoperation, of my present invention; and in my said application SerialNo. 687,359 I have shown and claimed a variable speed revolubledistributor, and an automatically operated speed accelerator drivinglyconnected to it, and a vertically movable tailings receiver, responsiveto variations in the weight of the stream of tailings flowing on to it,and operatively connected-to said accelerator for automaticallyaccelerating speed of revolution of said distributor with increase insuch weight, and a variable speed revoluble blower, and an automaticallyoperated speed accelerator operatively connected to said blower forrevolving it, and operatively connected to said responsive receiver, foraccelerating the speed of revolution of said blower with increase insuch weight, as distinguished from the automatically vertically variabledistributor, bafll'es, internal supply pipe, and other automaticallyvertically variable. internal parts within the separating chamber,vertically sustained by and automatically vertically moved by such aresponsive receiver for automatically vertically varying such internalparts with variations in such weight, of my present invention.

This application contains subject matter for merly included in myearlier application Serial No. 91 filed January 10, 1925, other subjectmatter of which has been protected by claims in.

my said Patent No. 1,834,095 and in my said Patent No. 1,876,516.

My present invention aims to provide improvements especially applicableto separators of this character andaims to facilitate regulation of thevertical point of distribution of feed to them, agitation of thepulverulent materialin the pathpf the current, variation of the relationof the separating elements, and variation of the vertical lift of thecurrent, and control of extraction of Oversize pieces from the currentbefore it passes to the outer chamber.

To this end in carrying out the preferred form of my presentimprovements I provide in operative relation to such a responsivetailings receiver an automatically tailings weight operated andcontrolled and vertically adjusted distributor for the pulverulentmaterial; and

I provide, in operative relation to such a responsive tailings receiver,an automatically tailings weight adjusted tubular and verticallyadjustable and preferably non-rotary feed pipe and a tubular distributorshaft surrounding and preferably adjustable with it, and means forpreferably simultaneously adjusting these; and

I provide, in operative relation to such a responsive tailings receiver,an automatically adjustable bafile or ring around the distributor tointercept centrifugally projected material and cause it to fallvertically, and revolving agitators depending through the horizontallyprojected film between the distributor and battle and extendinghorizontally through the falling cylindrical film below the baffle tostir or beat the material where the current passes through it; and

I provide, in operative relation to such a re sponsive separatedmaterial receiver, automatically separated material weight operatedmeans to varythe relative relation of the separating elements and thevertical distance-or volume of the spaces through which the current ispermitted to pass after it has traversed the film of material to varythe speed and lifting distance of the current to determine the finenessof the particles which it shall carry over and to afford anautomatically vertically variable selecting chamber in which largerparticles may precipi tate, and i I provide various other features ofimprovement all of which will be hereinafter set forth with reference tothe accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a vertical axial section ofan air separator embodying the preferred form of my presentimprovements, and

Fig. 2 is a vertical axial section similar to Fig. l of an air separatorembodying a modified form of my improvements and equipped withpulverizing elements, some of the parts being shown partly in elevation.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings letA indicate the main frameor casing of an air separator, B the driving mechanism therefor, C thefeed pipe for material to be separated, D the feed receptacle or innercasing or separating chamber, E the feed distributor therein. F the fanor current means, G the outer or dust chamber, H the dust or fine outlettherefrom, I the tailings conveyor receiver or receptacle, J thecontracted tailings or coarse outlet therefrom, K- the foraminous filteror current cleaning means surrounding the'feed chamber, L thedrive shaftfor the distributor, M the drive shaft for the fan, N the drive gear forthe fan, 0 its drive pinion, P its drive shaft, Q its drive pulley, Rthe drive gear for the distributor, S its drive pinion, T its driveshaft, U its drive pulley, and -V the gearv frame or drive casing of anair separator.

These parts may be of any suitable construction for distributingpulverulent material in the drical side wall and a conical bottom wall,sep- Gil arably or removably connected, and encloses the settling ordust chamber G in which the feed chamber is mounted concentrically andin spaced relation to the outerwall. The feed chamber has upper andlower openings communicating with the outer chamber to permit air toflow up through the feed chamber and out into the dust chamber andreturn through the lower opening.

Cal

The filter is in the path of the returning current of air and interceptsand conducts below the zone of the returning current particles floatingtherein. The returning-current rises through the feed chamber andthrough the material distributed -therein to float fine particles up toand through the upper opening and to permit coarse particles to fallinto the tailings chamber. The feed chamber is usually surmounted by anannular fan shelf W surrounding the upper opening X, and the fanrevolves in the way between this and the top of the casing A. Thedistributor is usually a revolving disc for centrifugally projecting thematerial across the rising air current and is vertically adjustable tovary the plane of distribution to vary the fine ness of the materialseparated by varying the vertical distance between the distributor andth upper opening. A damper such as the damper Y has heretofore beenprovided by me around the lower opening Z to vary the space throughwhich the returning current may pass to vary the speed of the currentfor the purpose of modi-- fying its lifting power to vary the finenessof material separated.

One feature of my present invention aims to improve variation of thespeed of the air current between the point where it passes through thedistributed material and the upper opening; to modify its lifting forceand afford a vertically variable selecting chamber in whichoversize-sparticles may precipitate, so that only particles light enoughto be floated by the modified current will be carried over to the upperoutlet, and this I preferably accomplish by automatica ly verticallyvarying the volume of the current passage beyond the point of initialseparation, to correspondingly vary the speed and lifting power of thecurrent there so that it can automatically select the fineness to befloated over.

I preferably accomplish this by providing a wall or walls within theseparating chamber and automatically movable to vary the height of thepassage for the dust laden current. These walls may be spaced inner andouter bafiie walls above the distributor and below the upper outlet. theinner wall preferably rotary and fiat and vertically movable, and theouter wall preferably nonrotary and tapering and verticaly movable, toafford an annular space between them through which current may upflowfrom the distributor, and spaced a variable distance below the upperoutlet, to afford a vertically variable space or selection chamber abovethem, the volume of which may be varied so that the speed of the currentin this space can be modified without necessarily modifying the currentspeed at the point where it traverses the material or at other points. 7

Another feature provides for permitting uniform speed of. the currentthrough the fan and dust chamber and filter and varying its speedthrough the material and through the succeeding selecting chamber, whichI preferably accomplish by a valved by-pass for some of the current fromwithin the filter above and around the feed chamber and selectingchamber, so that the returning current may be apportioned to send thedesired quantity through the distributed material and selecting chamberand by-pass the remainder of the current around these back to the fan tosuit the requirements of separation and to avoid waste of'power byneedless throttling of the fan.

Another feature relates to intercepting and dropping the distributedmaterial and agitating it while cutfiying and while falling, which Ipreferably accomplish by providing a rotary assembly of circularlyarranged circumferentially spaced vertically depended laterallydefiective revolving depending stirrers around and spaced from theperiphery of the distributor and depended from above it and extendedvertically downward from above it past and below it and across thehorizontal zone of distribution of material rotatively distributed byit, for inter- 'cepting such material and deflecting it lateral'y andpassing it through the circumferential spaces between such stirrers, asdistinguished from my previous horizontally extended uptossers extendedhorizontally from the periphery of the distributor for upwardlyimpelling distributed material, which vertical stirrers are preferablydisposed between the distributor and the adjustable bafiie ring 1',below-which they preferably have horizontaly extended free endsextending below and across the lower edge of this'ring to agitate thematerial in both its horizontal and vertical blankets to facilitatepassage of air through it and make fine particles more accessible to theaction of theair.

Another feature aims to improve and facilitate regulation of thevertical plane of distribution of feed of pulverulent material, which Ipreferably accompish by rotatively suspending from a verticallyvariable. non-rotative carrier the suspension member of a.distributorsustained by and revolving with the drive pipe. and verticallyadjustable therewith relatively to the separating chamber, which carrieris preferably connected to and automatically vertically varied by such aresponsive tailing-s receiver, for automatical'y vertically varying saiddistributor and its suspension member with variations in the weight ofthe stream of tailings fiowin'g on to said receiver.

Another feature aims to vary the vertical rela tion of the separatingelements and the vertical distance through which the separated materialmust be lifted, while maintaining uniform relat-ive conditions of thedistributor and collateral Referring especially to Figs. 1 and 2 of thedrawings;

7 The separating chamber D is preferably formed with a top wall K, arotary and vertically adjustable lower inner baflie wall A, an upwardlyand outwardly flaring vertically adjustable or movable lower outerbaffle wall a and an upwardly extending preferably cylindrical andstationary enclosing outer wall 7', above the distributor E and spacedto afford between'them an upwardly variable and outwardly extendingannular passage for the dust ladenair which is passed through thepulverulent material at the point of distribution, affording a variableprecipitation chamber '0' in which larger particles can fall back, and avertically variable way through which the air with the remaining smallerparticles may flow to the upper opening X. The area of this passageincreases as its diameter increases in its upward extension tocorrespondingly diminish the speed of the air flowing through it, and Ipreferably providefor varying the height of the selecting chamber thispassage affords by moving the walls A'-.and a relatively to the top wallto vary the space between them and to correspondingly vary the verticaldistance to be traveled by the current traversing this space. Preferablythe outer wall a has an intermediate cylindrical portion f, spaced fromand around the.wall A and enclosing a lower.

distribution chamber u, surrounding the distributor, and a contractingconical lower portion a surrounding the lower opening Z, and an innertically, to maintain wall h spaced within it to afford a precipitatepassage for conducting particlesfrom the procipitation chamber throughand below the rising air current opposite the distributor, and anadjustable-baffle ring '1 spaced from, it opposite and surroundingthedistributor to intercept outfiying material and cause it to drop bygravity on to the lower cone g, and preferably-all of these walls andthe distributor are movable vertheir relative positions throughout anyadjustment of the outer wall a.

The outer wall a preferably slides or moves telescopically within astationary cylindrical an:- nular wear preventing, hningwall 7'surrounding and connected to a stationary annular wear preventing liningtop wall' is.

The fan shelf W may constitute the. wall 1c,

and the wall 7' may depend from it, but according to the preferred formof my invention I- reduce the current through such a; chamber whilemaintaining the usual volume of current through the fan and filter, sothat throttling of the separating current can be effectedwithoutcorrespondingly opposing resistance of the fan or reducing speed throughthe filter by varying com-.

munication through the by-passin opposition to variation ofcommunication .to the lower ,open-f tive to the lower opening Z, and thebaille i may inga Preferably I'provide a damper Y around and to travelwith the vertical adjustments of the cylindrical wall 1 and adjustablerelatively to which is tiltedfrom without by a handle 9. The

return of the cleaned air from within the filter to the fan maybeapportioned by them between the separating chamber and the by-pass tosuit desired results.

I prefer to support the wall a from the tail ings cone I by a rod orother suitable connection 8 and to move the tailings cone, the lowerwalls of the selection chamber, the distributor E, its stirrers oragitators, and its feed disc and regulating valve, as well as the filterK, together vertically relatively to the blower and fan shelf. This maybe done in many ways, but I prefer it to sustain the tailings cone onrocking levers 't and the feed parts on rocking levers it connected by arod to cause them to swing in unison, and which can be manually orotherwise adjusted from without by a screw wheel 10 to vary theverticalposition or limit the descent of the movable parts. Preferablythese levers are counter-balanced by tension springs a: to sustain theweightof the parts they carry and facilitate their adjustment.

The shaft L, preferably drivingly and slidingly connected to its gear R,is preferably the rotary and vertically adjustable suspension means forthe inner baflle wall A and the distributor E depended from the latter,and I preferably provide a'' vertically variable rotary adjuster membera on the shaft L, and a vertically variable non-rotarygadjuster orcarrier 1/, adjustably carried from the outer casing A, for verticallysustaining such suspension means and the dependent parts carriedthereby, and for verticallyadjusting these during operation, tofacilitate variation of the height or volume of the passage through theseparating chamber, and

-to avoid necessity of interrupting operation while effecting suchvariation, and I preferably antifrictionallytrevolubly connect suchsuspension means with the vertically adjustable adjuster :u by avertically variable ball bearing B preferably comprising a rotatable andvertically va- .olubly sustained by a vertically adjustable nonrotarybearing race 1' on the adjuster or carrier 1 preferably verticallyadjustably mounted within the gear case V, and adjusted from.

without by suspension screws 2 preferably adjustably connected bymanually adjustable nuts d to the levers u, and moved bythese levers forautomatically vertically adjusting the baflie wall A and thedistributorE with variations in the weight of the stream of tailings flowing on tothe receiver 1.

As shown the drive shaft L for the distributor is sustained by a carrier11/, and supported and moved vertically by the upper levers u to varyitsposition synchronously with variations imposition of the lower part ofthe distributing chamber to maintain uniform relation between them, butthe distributor E may be independently adjusted on its shaft to vary itsposition relabe similarly adjusted to correspond with such adjustment ofthe distributor.

The outlet X preferably comprises a stationary downwardly and inwardlytapering grit defleeting depending annular wall flange or lip odependingfrom the wall W and affording around such lip the inwardpassageto the suction side of the fan, and beneath such lip the passage to theby-pass m, which passages are preferably variable by vertical movementof the valves q and r hereafter described.

Myinvention preferably provides a damper q for varying the outletpassage, and the damper r for varying the by-pass passage near the fan,and preferably simultaneously reversely operates these by a leverconnected to and operated with the movement of the crank rod tilposition of adjustment.

so that as this rises to its highest position the damper q will reduceoutlet of current from the selecting chamber and the damper 1" willsimultaneously open the by-pass outlet, and these dampers may bemanually operated from without in any suitable manner as shown by thehandle t.

As thus constructed these walls afford a contracted annular verticalseparating passage it around the distributor, a variable selectingchamber 1) above it, and a variable discharge passage w therefrom to thefan.

In the construction shown the distributor shaft is feathered on itsdriving gear R which is held in position by a retainer 1 so that theshaft may be raised or lowered through the gear but must revolve withit, and the weight of the shaft is sustained by its ball-bearing collara, see Fig. 1, which is fixed to it.

.As shown the distributor shaft L has a slot or keyway b and its drivegear R has a key or screw c entering this slot'to feather the shaft tothe gear, and the carrier y is a non-rotative vertically adjustablebearing encircling the shaft L for vertically adjusting the shaft androtatively sustaining it and the distributor in any The shaft L dependsthrough and is suspended from the carrier y, which is preferably locatedwithin the gear chamber V and suspended by rods 22 extendingup throughand without this casing and preferably supported and moved by the leversu. c

As shown the feed pipe affords a conduit for supplying to thedistributor material to be separated, and is within and encircled by andtraverses concentrically through the drive pipe L and its gear andbearings, and according to one feature of my present invention the feedpipe is preferably vertically adjusted by the levers u simultaneouslywith and similarly to the vertical adjustment of the distributor E, tomaintain their relative positions as well as beingsindependentlyadjustable to vary the proximity of the lower end of the pipe to thedistributor.

Preferably this is accomplished as shown by mounting the feed pipe byadjustable nuts $2 on the rods 22 so that the pipe C and the pipe L willboth be vertically adjusted by the levers u, and the pipe C can beindividually adjusted by the nuts m2.

In operation with thisform of my invention the vertical plane ofdistribution of pulverulent material is controlled by vertical movementof the weight operated tailings cone-I which raises or lowers thedistributor disc E. The material falls through the feed pipe on to thedistributor E and is thrown therefrom against the baffle i. Thestirring; fingers 02 depending from the distributor hub stir theoutfiyingmaterial, and their outwardly bent ends stir the material as itdrops by gravity from the bafile. The returning air current rises underthe disc and flows outwardly under the baflle as well as upwardlybetween it and the distributor, and floats fine material up through theseparating chamber u into the selecting chamber 1). Larger particles maybe thrown out by the deflecting flange o as the current curls to reachthe outlet w and then will fall back, thus falling on the wall a andbeing guided through the separating chamber by a lining or wearpreventing extractor wall 7;. Particles fine enough to float with thecurrent to the outlet will rise through the passage w and be drawnthrough the fan, which will blow the dust laden current into the outerchamber from which it will return through the filterbaflles or hollowtroughs which will afford current voids in' which the dust may descendout of the zone of the current and fall into the dust chamber. Cleanedair getting through the filter will return through the lower opening Zto the separating chamber. To vary fineness of separation the verticalvolume of the selecting chamber 12' will be varied by adjusting one. orall of its walls. When adjusted to contract the volume the current speedwill be accelerated to carry coarser material, and when adjusted toincreast volume current speed will be modified so that it will onlycarry finer material to the outlet 10'. Variation of current incident tosuch adjustment will be effected by the dampers Y and n to apportion thecurrent going into the separating passage u relatively to that bypassing the separating chamber, or by the dampers q and r to apportionthe current escaping from the selecting chamber relatively to thatescaping through the by-pass.

Thus uniform current through the fan and filter may be maintainedwithout undue back pressure on the fan, while the current to or from theseparating chamber can be varied, and the speed of current in theselecting chamber can be varied by varying its volume, and thesevariations can be accomplished without varying the relation between thedistributor and separating chamber. I

As 'thus far described the separating elements and the selecting chambermay be mutually relatively varied to controlioperation or fineness ofseparation in any suitable or desired manner, but according to thepreferred form of my invention I automatically efiect this, preferablyby utilizing the weight of the outflowing stream of one of the separatedmaterials and providing varying, controlling, regulating or adjustingmeans responsive to variations in such weight for varying the verticalplane of distribution of the material to be separated, or the height orvolume of the separating or selecting chambers, or the space throughwhich the separatingcurrent is permitted to flow with variations in suchweight.

This may be accomplished in any suitable manner, but I prefer to use thestream of tailings falling through the tailings out-dropping opening Zfrom theseparating chamber on to the tailings conveying receiver I forsuch regulation, and to make the receiver 1 vertically movable andweight operated with variations in such weight and to yieldingly suspendor counter-balance it as by carrying it on the, balancing levers orbeams t and u and counter-balancing it by any suitable counter-balancingmeans as the balancing spring x, so that it and these levers areresponsive to variations in such stream, and to suspend from orvertically movable levers u, the feed pipe C, and to revolubly suspendfrom the levers u the distributor drive pipe L, and the distributor E,and the rotary bafile wall A, and its stirrers, and to mount the movablewalls 1 and g of the separating chamber and the movable bottom wall a ofthe selecting chamber on the movable receiver I so that they will riseand fall with its movement with variations in the weight of such stream,and to also mount the filter K on the receivers so that it will slide onthe outer wall Z of the inner casing as the receiver rises and falls.

Thus my invention provides for automatic variation or control oftheseparating elements with 'mounting crushing rolls below and revolvingthem with the distributor so that they can act to crush material againsta crushing ring which I then substitute for the battle 1, disposingthese so that the returning air may rise between the crushing elementsto float fine material into the expansible selecting chamber, from whichthe air will be withdrawn past the adjustable outlet valve q4 to theouter settling chamber or an outside dust collector from which clean airwill. be returned to the lower opening Z.

My variable selecting chamber and regulating outlet and by-pass andvalves for apportioning the filtered current may be used with anypulverizing elements.

Fig. 2 shows one such modification of the construction illustrated inFig. 1 corresponding parts bearing the same reference letters of thosein that figure. In this construction a flanged crushing ring i4 issubstituted for the baflle i and receives the material projected fromthe distributing disc E, and a vertically acting crushing roll 04 rollsover the material on the flange of this ring as the roll revolves withthe disc the'spindle of the roll being rotatably mounted in a swingingbearing d4 hinged to the bottom of the disc so that the roll is free torise as it rolls over such material to pulverize any lumps therein. Di-

ametrically opposite the roll 04 a revolving crushing ring e4 actsagainst the vertical leg of the crushing ring to crush material againstthat leg. The crushing ring e4 is free to move radially on its holdingpin M which is fastened beneath the disc Eso that the ring is swungaround by the disc and acts-centrifugally toward the ring M. In-

termediate of the roller 04 and ring e4 a centrifugal swinging crushinghammer g4 is hinged beneath the disc E to'impactively strike thematerial on the ring?! to pulverize, stir and dislodge such material.

Such pulverized material falls into the separatins passage a4 throughwhich the air rises to float the fines into the selecting chamber 04above its bottom inclined wall a4 which is vertically variablerelatively to the top wall W to reach the upper opening X. The valve q4for varying the opening X is here shown as connected with the bellcrank$4 for tilting it when the valve q4 is moved by the rod t4. In thisconstruction the distributor disc E is not vertically movable relativelyto the pulverizing ring i4 which rises and descends with it and with thelower wall a4 of 1 the separating chamber, and' the chamber 144 af-Iords an axially or vertically movable crushing chamber, which with thecrushing elements, which are also axially or vertically movable, may beaxially or vertically varied relatively to the selecting chamber 124 andthe upper outlet X.

.This variation is preferably automatically efnected by the rod s, whichreceiver is vertically spring a: as before described, which areresponsive to variations in the weight of such stream and automaticallyvary the pulverizing elements and the pulverizing chamber relatively tothe selecting chamber with variations in such weight. If

desirable, however, the-variable parts may be movably varied by theadjusting screw w and set in any desired position by it, or theirvariations may be limited by adjusting such screw to effect thedesiredlimitation.

It will be seen that my invention provides improvements that can bevariously and advantageously availed of, and it will be understood thatthese can be used in whole or in part according to such modifications,adaptations-or combinations as circumstances or the judgment of thoseskilled in the art may dictateyand that the invention is not limited tothe particular details of construction, arrangement, combination or useset forth as constituting its preferred form, as these can be modifiedas circumstances or the judgment of those skilled in the art may dictatewithout departing from the spirit of this invention.

Although for more. fully showing the applicability of my presentinvention I have shown it in Fig. 2 in combination with pulverizingelements, and 'with reference to said figure have described suchcombination, such combination is not claimed in the present application,"but is claimed in my patent application filed June 15, 1932, Serial No.617,395.

What I claim'is:

1. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber having alower current inlet and an upper current outlet, supply means forsupplying material to be separated to said chamber, a blower for causinga fluid current to enter said chamber through said inlet and flew upthrough said chamber and through said outlet to separate and fioat finematerial from said chamber, variable means for varying the volume ofsaid chamber to vary the fineness of such separation, and a verticallymovable weight operated receiver for receiving such separated material,responsive to variations in the weight of the steam of such separatedmaterial flowing on to said receiver, operatively connected to saidvarying means, for varying such volume with variations in such weight.

2. In combination, a casing enclosing a chamber having a lower currentinlet opening and an upper current outlet opening and affording inter--mediate said openings an upper selecting chamber and a lower separatingchamber, supply means for supplying material to be separated to saidseparating chamber, a blower for causing a fluid current to. enter saidseparating chamber through said lower opening and fiow up through saidselecting chamber and upper opening to separate and float fine materialfrom said chambers, variable means for varying the volume of saidselecting chamber, and a vertically movable weight operated separatedmaterialreceiver for receiving such separated material, responsive tovariations in the weight'of the stream of such separated materialflowing on to said receiver, operatively connected to'said variablemeans for varying such volume with variations in the weight of suchstream.

3. In combination, a casing enclosing a chamber having a lower currentinlet opening and an upper current outlet opening and ail'ordingintermediate said openings a lower separating chamber and an upperselecQng chamber, one

variable relatively to the other, supply means forsupplying material tobe separated to said separating chamber, a blower for causing a fluidcurrent to enter said chamber through said inlet and flow up throughsaid chamber and through said outlet .to separate and float finematerial from said chambers, variable means for varying said variablechamber, and a vertically movable weight operated separated materialreceiver for receiving such separated material, responsive to variationsin the weight of the stream of such sep arated material flowing on tosaid receiver operatively connected to said variable means for varyingsaid variable chamber with variations in the weight of such stream.

4. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber having alower current inlet opening and an upper current outlet opening,variable internal supply means within and for supplying material to beseparated to said separating chamber, a blowerfor causing a fluidcurrent toenter through said lower opening and flow up through saidseparating chamber and upper opening to separate and float fine materialfromsaid chamber, and .a vertically movable weight operated separatedmaterial receiver for receiving such separated material, responsive tovariations in the weight of the stream of such separated materialflowing on to said receiver,

said lower opening and flow up through said separating chamber and upperopening to separate and float fine material from said chamber, and avertically movable weight operated separated material receiver forreceiving such separated material, responsive to variations in theweight of the stream of such separated materialflowing on to saidreceiver, operatively connected to said distributor for verticallyvarying said distributing means with variations in the'weight of suchstream.

6. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber havinga'lower current inlet opening and an upper current outlet opening andaifording a return current passage communicating between said outlet andsaid inlet openings, supply means for supplying material to be separatedto said separating chamber, a blower for causing a fluid current toenter said chamber through said inlet opening and flow up through saidchamber and upper opening and return through said passage to separateand float fine material from said separating chamber, variable valvemeans for varying the space through which such current is permitted toflow, and a weight operated vertically movable receiver for receivingsuch separated material, responsive to variations in the weight of suchseparated material flowing on to said receiver, operatively connected tosaid valve means for varying said space with variations in the weight ofsuch stream.

7. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber having alower current inlet opening and an upper current outlet opening andaffording a return current passage communicating between said outletopening and said inlet opening, supply means for supplying material tobe separated to said separating chamber, a. blower for causing a fluidcurrent to enter said chamber through said inlet opening and flow upthrough said chamber and upper opening and return through said passageto separate and float fine material from said chamber, variable finematerial interceptor means across said passage for intercepting finematerial floating-in such returning current, and a weight operatedvertically movable separated material receiver for receiving suchseparated material, responsive to variations in the weight of the streamof such separated material flowing on to such receiver operativelyconnected to said interceptor means for varying said interceptor meanswith variations in the weight of such stream.

8. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and having alower current inlet opening and an upper current outlet opening andaffording a return current passage communicating between said outletopening and said inlet opening, means afiording a variable by-passcurrent passage intermediate said separating chamber and said returncurrent passage for by-passing current between said upper outlet andsaid lower inlet, supplymeans for supplying material to be separated tosaid separating chamber, a blower for causing a fluid current to entersaid chamber through said inlet andflow up through said chamber andupper outlet and return through said return passage and through saidby-pass passage to separate and float fine material from said chamber,and a weight operated vertically movable separated material receiver forreceiving such separated material, responsive to variations in theweight of the stream of such separated material flowing on to saidreceiver, operatively stream,

9.'In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber having alower current inlet and an upper current outlet, a variable wall forvarying the current space within said chamber,

. supply means for supplying material to be separated to said chamber, ablower for causing a fluid current to enter said chamber through saidinlet and flow up through said chamber and said outlet to separate andfloat fine material from said chamber, and a weight operated verticallymovable separated material receiver for receiving such separatedmaterial, responsive to variations in the weight of the stream of suchseparated material flowing on to said receiver, operatively connected tosaid variable wall for varying said variable wall with variations in theweight of such stream.

10. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and having alower current inlet and an upper current outlet and a vertically movablelower wall, supply means for supplying material to be separated to saidchamber, a blower for causing a fluid current to enter said chamberthrough said inlet and flow up through said chamber and upper outlet toseparate and float fine material from said chamber, and a weightoperated vertically movable separated material receiver for receivingsuch separated material, responsive to variations in the weight of thestream of such separated material flowing on to said receiver,operatively connected to said movable wall for varying said movable wallwith variations in the weight of such stream.

11. In combination, aocasing enclosing a separating chamber and having acurrent inlet and connected to said by-pass means for varying saidby-pass with variations in the weight of such /a current outlet,variable separating elements within said chamber, supply means forsupplying material to. be separated to said elements, a blower forcausing a fluid current to enter said chamber through said inlet andflow up through said chamber and through said outlet to separate andfloat from said chamber material separated by said elements, and avertically movable weight operated separated material receiver forreceiving such separated material, responsive to variations in theweight of the stream of such separated material flowing on to saidreceiver, operatively connected to said separating elements for varyingsaid separating elements with variations in the weight of such stream.

12. In combination, a casing enclosing'a separating chamber and having acurrent inlet and a current outlet, supply means for supplying materialto be separated to said chamber,--variable material beater means in saidchamber for beating such material, a blower for causing a fluid currentto enter said chamber through said inlet and flow up through saidchamber and outlet for separating and floating fine, material from saidchamber, and a weight operated vertically movable separated materialreceiver for receiving such separated material, responsive to variationsin the weight of the stream of such separated material flowing on tosaid receiver, operatively connected to said beater means for varyingsaid beater means with variations in the weight of such stream.

13. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamberand having acurrent inlet and a current outlet, a vertically movable supply conduitwithin, and vertically variable within, said chamber, for supplyingmaterial to be separated.

to said chamber, a blower for causing a fluid current to enter saidchamber through said inlet and flow up through said chamber and outletto separate and float fine material from said chamber, and a weightoperated vertically movable separated material receiver. for receivingsuch separated material, responsive to variations in the weight of thestream of such separated material flowing on to said receiver,operatively connected to said conduit for vertically varying saidconduit with variations in the weight of such stream.

14. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and l.avinga current inlet and a,

current outlet, vertically variable revolving distributor means fordistributing material to be separated in said chamber, a blower forcausing a fluid current to enter said chamber through said inlet andflow up through said chamber and.

outlet to separate and float fine material from said chamber, verticallyvariable bearing means for vertically positioning said distributormeans, and a weight operated vertically movable separated materialreceiver for receiving such separated material, responsive to variationsin the weight of the stream of such separated material flowing on tosaid receiver, operatively connected to said bearing means for varyingsaid bearing means with variations in the weight of such stream.

15. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and having acurrent inlet and a current outlet, vertically adjustable rotarydistributor means for supplying material to be separated to saidchamber, vertically adjustable shaft means for revolving saiddistributing means, drive means for revolving said shaft means, a blowerfor causing a fluid current to enter said chamber through said inlet andflow up through said chamber and through said outlet to separate andfloat fine material from said chamber, and a weight operated verticallymovable separated material receiver for receiving such separatedmaterial, responsive to variations in the weight of the stream of suchseparated material flowing on to said receiver, operatively connected tosaid shaft means for vertically adjusting said shaft means withvariations in the weight of such stream.

16. A separator for separating fine material and discharging coarsermaterial as tailings, comprising a casing enclosing a separating chamberhaving an upper current outlet, and a lower current inlet, a blower incommunication with said chamber for causing a fluid current to flowthrough said inlet and up through said chamber and through said outlet,for separating and floating fine material from said chamber, a rotatableand upwardly and downwardly vertically movable distributor within saidchamber, rotatable for rotatably supplying material to be separated tosaid current, and vertically movable during such rotation, forvertically varying such supply, for varying such separation, and rotarydrive means in operative relation to said distributor, for rotating saiddistributor, in combination with upwardly and downwardly movablesuspension bearing means for said distributor, above and revolublyconnected to said distributor for revolubly suspending said distributor,in operative relation to and movable upwardly and downwardly with saiddistributor and relatively to saidcasing during rotation of saiddistributor, for upwardly and downwardly moving said distributorrelatively to said casing during such rotation, and for revolubly,suspending said distributor during such rotation and movement.

17. A separator for separating fine material and discharging coarsermaterial as tailings, comprising a casing enclosing a separating chamberhaving an upper current, outlet and a lower current inlet, a blower incommunication with said chamber for causing a fluid current to flowthrough said inlet and up through said chamber and through said outlet,for separating and floating fine material from said chamber, adistributor within said chamber for supplying material to be separatedto such current, a rotatable and vertically movable baflle wall withinsaid chamber and above said distributor, for defining the space throughwhich such current is permitted to flow, and vertically movable forvertically var-ying such space, for varying such separation, and rotarydrive means drivingly connected to said ba'file wall, in combinationwith upwardly and downwardly movable suspension bearingmeansfor saidbafllewall, above and revolubly connected to said bafile wall, forrevolubly suspending said baflle wall, in operative relation to saidbaffle wall and movable upwardly and downwardly with said baffle walland relatively to said casing during such rotation and movement of saidbaflle wall, for upwardly and downwardly moving said baflle wallrelatively to said casing, and for revolubly suspending said baflie wallduring such movement and such rotation.

18. A separator for separating fine material and discharging coarsermaterial as tailings, comprising a casing enclosing a separating chamberhaving an upper current outlet, and a lowr current inlet, a blower incommunication with said'chamber for causing a fluid current to flow.

ing fine material from said chamber, a rotatable and vertically slidabledistributor within said chamber, rotatable for rotatably supplyingmaterial to be separated to such current, and vertically slidable forvertically varying such supply, for varying such separation, and rotarydrive means in operative relation to such distributor, for rotating saiddistributor, in combination with upwardly and downwardly slidablebearing means for said distributor, revolubly connected to saiddistributor, for revolubly sustaining said distributor, in operativerelation to and upwardly and downwardly slidable with said distributorand relatively to said casing during rotation-of said distributor, forupwardly and downwardly sliding said distributor relatively to saidchamber and with said bearing means, and for revolubly sustainingsaid'distributor during such sliding and such rotation.

19. A separator for separating fine material and discharging coarsermaterial as tailings, comprising a casing enclosing a separating chamberhaving an upper current outlet and a lower current inlet, a blower incommunication with said chamber for causing a fluid current to flowthrough said inlet and up through said chamber and through said outletfor separating and floating fine material from said chamber, adistributor within said chamber forsupplying material to be separatedtosuch current, a rotatable and upwardly and downwardly slidable bafllewall within said chamber and above said distributor, for defining thespace through which such current is permitted to flow, and verticallyslidable during its rotation for varying such spaceduring such rotation,for varying such separation, and rotary drive means drivingly connectedto such baflie wall for rotating said baflle wall, in combination withupwardly and downwardly slidable bearing means for said baflle wall,revolubly connected to said baflle wall, for revolubly sustaining saidbaille wall, in operative relation to and upwardly and downwardlyslidable with said baflle wall and relatively to said casing duringrotation of said bafile wall, for revolubly sustaining an'd for upwardlyand downwardly sliding said'baflie Wall, with said bearing means andrelatively to said casing, during such rotation and sliding of saidbaflie wall.

20. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and havinga, current inlet and a current outlet, supply means forsupplyingmaterial to be separated to said chamber, a blower for causinga fluid current to enter said chamber through said inlet and flow upthrough said chamber and said outlet for separating and floating finematerial from said chamber, and discharging coarser material astailings, meansvarying the volume of said chamber, and a weight operatedmovable tailings receiver for receiving such tailings, responsive tovariations in the weight of the stream of such tailings flowing on tosaid receiver, operatively connected to said varying means for varyingsaid varying means with variat ons in the weight of such stream.

21. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber having acurrent inlet and a current outlet, supply means for supplying materialto be separated to said chamber, a blower for causing a fluid current toenter said chamber through said inlet and flow up through said chamherand said outlet for separating and floating fine material from saidchamber and discharging coarser material as tailings, vertically movablemeans for varying the volume of said chamber,

and a tailings weight operated movable tailings receiver for receivingsuch tailings, responsive to variations in the weight of the stream ofsuch tailings flowing on to said receiver, operatively connected to saidvarying means for vertically moving said varying means with variationsin the weight of such stream.

22. In combination, a casing enclosing a chamher having a lower inletopening and an upper outlet opening and affording intermediate suchopenings a lower separating chamber and an upper selecting chamber onevariable relatively to the other, supply means for supplying material tobe separated to said separating chamber, a blower for causing a fluidcurrent to enter through said lower opening and flow up through saidchamber and upper opening to separate and float fine material from saidchamber and discharge coarser material as tailings, means for varyingsuch variable chamber, and a tailings weight operated movable tailingsreceiver for receiving such tailings, responsive to variations in theweight of the stream of such tailings flowing on to said receiver,operatively connected to said varying means for varying said variablechamber with variations in the weight of such stream.

23. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and having alower current inlet and an upper current outlet, variable supply meanswithin said chamber for supplying material to be separated to saidchamber, a; blower for causing a fluid current to enter said inlet andflow up through said chamber and outlet to separate and float finematerial from said chamber and discharging coarser material as tailings,and a weight operated movable tailings receiver for receiving suchtailings, responsive to variations in the weight of the stream oftailings flowing on to said receiver connected to said supply means forvarying said internal supplying means with variations in the weight ofsuch stream.

24. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and having alower current inlet and an upper current outlet, vertically variabledistributor means within and for distributing material -to be separatedin said chamchamber and outlet to separate and float fine material fromsaid chamber and discharge coarser material as tailings, and a tailingsweight operated movable tailings receiver for receiving such tailings,responsive to variations in the weight of the stream of such tailingsflowing on to said receiver, operatively connected to said distributormeans for vertically varying said distributing means with variations inthe weight of such stream.

25. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and having alower current inlet and an upper current outlet and affording a variablereturn current passage communicating between said outlet and said inlet,supply means for supplying material to be separated to said chamber, ablower for causing a fluid current to enter said chamber through saidinlet and flow up through said chamber and said outlet and returnthrough said passage to separate and float fine material from saidchamber and discharge coarser material as tailings, valve means forvarying the space through which current is permitted to pass throughsaid return passage, and a tailings weight operated movable tailingsreceiver responsive to variations in the weight of the stream of suchtailings flowing on to ill such receiver, operatively connected to saidvalve means for varying said valve means with variations in the weightof such stream.

26. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and having alower current inlet and an upper current outlet and aflording a returncurrent passage communicating between said outlet and said inlet, supplymeans for supplying material to be separated to said chamber, a blowerfor causing a fluid current to enter through said inlet and flow upthrough said chamber and upper outlet and return through said passagefor separating and floating fine material from said chamber anddischarging coarser material as tailings, variable fine materialinterceptor means across said passage for intercepting fine materialfloating in such returning current, and a tailings weight operatedmovable tailings receiver for receiving such tailings, responsive to theweight of the stream of such tailings flowing on to -said receiver,operatively connected to said interceptor means for varying saidinterceptor means with variations in the weight of such stream.

27. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and having alower current inlet and an upper current outlet and aflording a currentby-pass communicating between said outlet and said inlet, supply meansfor supplying material to be separated to said chamber, a blower forcausing a fluid current to enter said inlet and flow up through saidchamber and outlet and return around said chamber and through'said-by-pass to said inlet to separate and float fine material fromsaid chamber and discharge coarser material as tailings, valve means forvarying the space through which such current is permitted to flowthrough said by-pass, and a tailings weight operated movable tailingsreceiver for receiving such tailings, responsive to variations in theweight of the stream of such tailings flowing on to such receiver,operatively connected to said valve means for varying such space withvariations in the weight of such stream.

28. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and having alower current inlet and an upper current outlet and a verticallyvariable wall for varying the space within said chamber, supply meansfor supplying material to be separated to said chamber, a blower forcausing a fluid current to enter said chamber through said inlet andflow up through said chamber and outlet to separate and float finematerial from said chamber and discharge coarser material as tailings,and a tailings weight operated movable tailings receiver for receivingsuch tailings, responsive to variations in the weight or the stream ofsuch tailings flowing on to said receiver, operatively connected to saidwall for varying said wall with variations in the weight of such stream.

29. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and having alower current inlet and an upper current outlet and a vertically movablelower wall, supply means for supplying material to be separated to saidchamber, a blower for causing a fluid current to enter through saidinlet and flow up through said .chamber and through said outlet toseparate and float flne material from said chamber and discharge coarsermaterial as tailings, and a tailings weight operated movable tailingsreceiver for receiving such tailings, responsive to variations in theweight of. the stream of such receiver, operatively con nected to saidwall for moving said wall with variations in the weight of such stream.

30. In combination, a casing enclosing a chamber and having a currentinlet and a current outlet', variable separating elements in saidchamber, supply means for supplying material to be separated to saidelements, a blower for causing a fluid current to enter said chamberthrough said inlet and flow up through said chamber and outlet. toseparate and float fine material from said chamber and discharge coarsermaterial as tailings, and a tailings weight operated movable tailingsreceiver for receiving such tailings, responsive to variations in theweight of the stream of such tailings flowing on to such receiver,operatively connected to said elements for varying said elements withvariations in the weight of such stream.

31. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and having acurrent inlet and a current outlet, supply means for supplying materialto be separated to said chamber, variable material beater means in saidchamber for beating such material, a blower for causing a fluid currentto enter through said inlet and flow up through said chamber and outletto separate and float fine material from said chamber, and dischargecoarser material as tailings, and a tailings weight operated movabletailings receiver for receiving such tailings, responsive to variationsin the weight of the stream of such tailings flowing on to saidreceiver, operatively connected to said beater means for varying saidbeater means for variations in the weight of such stream.

32. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and having acurrent inlet and a current outlet, a vertically movable supply conduitwithin, and vertically movable within, said chamber for supplyingmaterial to be separated to said chamber, a blower for causing a fluidcurrent to enter said chamber through said inlet and flow up throughsaid chamber and outlet to separate and float fine material from saidchamber and discharge coarser material as tailings, and

-a tailings weight operated movable tailings receiver for receiving suchtailings, responsive to variations in the weight of the stream of such.

tailings flowing on to said receiver, operatively connected to saidconduit for varying said conduit with variations in such weight.

33. In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and having acurrent inlet and a current outlet, vertically variable revolvingdistributor means within and for distributing material to be separatedin said chamber, a blower for causing a fluid current to enter saidinlet and flow up through said chamber and outlet for separating andfloating fine material in said chamber and discharging coarser materialas' tailings, and a tailings weight operated movable tailings receiverfor receiving such tailings, responsive to variations in the weight ofthe stream of such tailings flowing on to said receiver, operativelyfine material from said chamber and discharge coarser material astailings, and a tailingsweight operated movable tailings receiver forreceiving such tailings, responsive to variations in the weight of thestream of such tailings flowing on to such receiver, operativelyconnected to said shaft means for vertically varying said shaft meanswith variations in the weight of such stream.

35.,In combination, a casing enclosing a separating chamber and having acurrent inlet and a current outlet, vertically movable rotarydistributor means for supplying material to be separated in saidchamber, vertically movable revolving shaft means for verticallypositioning and revolving said distributing means, drive means -iordriving said shaft means, vertically movable bearing means forsustaining said shaft means,

a blower for causing a fluid current to enter said inlet and flow upthrough said chamber and outlet to separate and float fine material fromsaid chamber and discharge coarser material as tailings, and a tailingsweight operated movable tailings receiver for receiving such tailings,responsive tovariations in the weight of the stream of such tailingsflowing on to said receiver, operatively connected to said bearing meansfor vertically varying said bearing means with variations in the weightof such stream.

36. A separator comprising a casing enclosing 'a chamber and having acurrent inlet and a current outlet and a current passage communicatingbetween said inlet and said outlet, a rotary blower for causing .a fluidcurrent to flow throw "i inlet and said passage to said outlet, forseparating and floating fine material from said chamher, a rotatable andvertically reciprocatory distributor within said chamber, rotatable forrotatively supplying material to' be separated to such current, andvertically reciprocatory during such rotation for vertically varyingsuch supply during such rotation, for varyingsuch separation, and rotarydrive means, drivingly connected to said distributor, for rotating saiddistributor, in combination with upwardly and downwardly reciprocatorybearing means for said distributor, above and revolubly connected tosaid distributor,

for revolubly sustaining said distributor, in oper- 37. A separatorcomprising a casing enclosing a chamber and having a current inlet and acurrent outlet and a current passage communicating between said inletand said outlet, a rotary blower for causing a fluid current to flowthrough said inlet and said passage to said outlet, for separating'andfloating fine material from said chamber, a distributor within saidchamber for supplying material to be separated to such current, arotatable and upwardly and downwardly reciprocatory baffle wall withinsaid chamber and above said distributor, for defining the space throughwhich such current is permitted to flow, and vertically reciprocatoryduring its rotation, for varying such' space during such rotation, forvarying such separation, and rotary drive means drivingly connected tosaid baffle wall, for rotating said baffle wall in combinationwithupwardly and downwardly reciprocatory bearing means for said bafilewall, above and-revolubly connected to said baflle wall, for revolublysuspending said baflle wall, in operative relation to and upwardly anddownwardly reciprocatory with said baflle wall and relatively to saidcasing during rotation of said bailie wall,'for upwardly and downwardlyreciprocating said baiile wall during its rotation and for revolublysuspending said baflle wall during such reciprocation and rotation.

38. A separator comprising a casing enclosinga chamber and having acurrent inlet anda current outlet and a separating chamber, a blower incommunication with said chamber for causing a fluid current to flowthrough said inlet and up through said chamber and through said outlet,

for separating and floating fine material through said chamber, a.rotatable and upwardly and downwardly movable distributor within saidchamber, rotatable for rotatably supplying material to be separated insuch current, and upwardly and downwardly movable during such rotation,for vertically varying such supply, for varying such separation, androtary drive means drivingly connected to said distributor, for rotatingsaid distributor, in combination with upwardly and downwardly movable.axial thrust bearing means for said distributor, for axially sustainingsaid distributor, in operative relation to said distributor and movableupwardly and downwardly with said distributor and relatively to saidchamber during rotation of said distrib utor, for upwardly anddownwardly moving said distributor relatively to said chamber duringsuch rotation, and an upwardly and downwardl movable sustainer lever forsaid bearing mev a,

such rotation and for revolubly sustaining said bearing means and said'distributor during such rotation and such movement.

39. A separator comprising a casing enclosing a chamber, and having acurrent inlet and a cur-. rent outlet and a separatingchamber, a blowerin communication with said chamber for causing a fluid current to flowthrough said inlet and up through said chamber and through said outlet,for separating and floating flne material from said chamber, adistributor within said chamber for supplying material to be separatedto such current, a rotatable and upwardly and downwardly movable bafllewall within said chamber and above said' distributor, for refining thespace through which such current is permitted to flow, and upwardly anddownwardly movable duringits rotation for varying such space during suchrotation for varying such separation during such rotation, and rotarydrive means drivingly connected to said baflie wall, for rotating saidbafiie wall, in combination with upwardly and downwardly movable, axialthrust bearing means for said bailie wall, in operative relation to saidbaflle wall and movable upwardly and downwardly with said bailie walland relatively to said casing during rotation'of said baflie wall, foraxially sustaining and upwardly anddownwardly moving said baflle wallduring such rotation, and an upwardly and downwardly movable sustainerlever for said bearing means, revolubly connected to and upwardly anddownwardly movable with said bearing means and relatively to said cas-40. A separator comprising a casingenclosing a chamber, a receptacle insaid chamber having upper and lower openings communicating therewith, arotary blower for causing a fluid current to flow through and aroundsaid receptacle, for

- separating and floating fine material from said receptacle, a rotarydistributor within said receptacle, a rotatable and upwardly anddownwardly vertically movable distributor within said receptacle forrotatably supplying material to be separated to such current, andvertically movable during such rotation for vertically varying suchsupply, for varying such separation, and rotary drive means in operativerelation to said distributor, for rotating said distributor, incombination with upwardly and downwardly movable suspension bearingmeans for said distributor, above and in operative relation to andmovable upwardly and downwardly with-said distributor and relatively tosaid receptacle during rotation of said distributor, for upwardly anddownwardly moving said distributor relatively to saidreceptacle duringsuch rotation, and for revolubly suspending said distributor during itsrotation and movement, and non-rotary upwardly and downwardly adjustablesustainer means for said bearing means, revolubly connected to saidbearing means for revolubly sustaining said bearing means, in operativerelation to'and upwardly and downwardly movable with said bearing meansand relatively to said receptacle during rotation of said distributor,for upwardly and downwardly moving said bearing means and saiddistributor relatively to said casing during such rotation and movement,and for revolubly sustaining said bearing means during such rotation andupward and downward movement of the latter.

4 1. In combination, a casing enclosing a chamber, a receptacle mountedin said chamber. and having upper and'lower openings communicatingtherewith, a blower for causing a fluid current to flow through saidreceptacle and upper opening and return through'said lower openings, forseparating fine material in said receptacle and floating fine materialinto said chamber, a rotary distributor in said receptacle, forsupplying and rotatively distributing in a horizontal zone material tobe separated in said receptacle, and a circular series ofcircumferentially spaced ver-- tically depended laterally deflectivebailles within said receptacle and around and spaced from saiddistributor, depended from above said distributor andextended-substantially vertically from above said distributor past andbelow said distributor and across the horizontal zone of suchdistribution, for intercepting such distributed material,

- and for laterally diverting it, and for passing such diverted materialthrough the circumferential spaces between said baflles, forfacilitating such separation during such rotative distribution of suchmaterial.

4 2. In combination, acasing enclosing a chamber, a receptacle mountedin said chamber and having upper and lower openings communicatingtherewith, a blower for causing a' fluid current to flow through saidreceptacle and upper opening into said chamber and return through saidlower opening, for separating fine material in said receptacle andfloating fine material into said chamber, a rotary distributor withinsaid receptacle, for supplyingmaterial to be separated in saidreceptacle and for rotatively distributing such material in a horizontalzone in such current, and a rotary assembly of annularly arrangedcircumferentially spaced substantially vertically depended horizontallydeflectivestirrers around and spaced from and depended from above saiddistributor, and extended substantially vertically from above past andbelow said distributor and substantially vertically across the zone ofsuch distribution, and rotatable through the zone of such distribution,for intercepting and stirring such distributed material and forlaterally deflecting -such stirred material through the circumferentialspaces between said-vertically depended stirrers during suchdistribution, for facilitating such separation during such distribution.

43. A separator comprising a casing enclosing a separating chamberhaving a lower current inlet and an upper current outlet, a blower incom muncation with said chamber for causing a fluid current to flowthrough said inlet and up throughsaid outlet, for separating andfloating fine material from said chamber, a distributor within saidchamber for supplying material to be separated to such current, a rotaryand upwardly and downwardly movable baiiie wall within said chamber andabove said distributor, for defining the space through which suchcurrentis perdrivingly connected to said baflle wall, for rotating said bafilewall, in combination with upwardly and downwardly movable suspensionbearing means for said baflle wall, above and in operative relation toand movable upwardly and downwardly with said baflle wall and relativelyto said casing during rotation of said baffle wall, for upwardly anddownwardly moving said baflle wall during such rotation, and non-rotaryupwardly and downwardly adjustable sustainer means for said bearingmeans, in operative relation to and movable upwardly and downwardly withsaid bearing means during such rotation and movement of said bearingmeans, and revolubly connected to said bearing means for revolublysustainng said bearing means during such rotation and upward anddownward movement, for revolubly sustaining said baille wall during suchrotation and movement.

44. A separator comprising a casing enclosing a separating chamber andhaving a lower current inlet and an upper current outlet, a blower in vcommunication with said chamber for causing a fluid current to flowthrough said inlet and up through said outlet, for separating andfloating fine material from said chamber, a rotary and upwardly anddownwardly movable distributor within said chamber, rotatable forrotatably supplying material to be separated to such current, andupwardly and downwardly movable for vertically varying such separation,and rotary drive means drivingly connected to said distributor, forrotating said distributor, in combination with upwardly and downwardlymovable suspension bearing means for said distributor above andrevolubly connected to said distributor, for revolubly suspending saiddistributor, in operative relation to and movable upwardly anddownwardly with said distributor and relatively to said chamber duringsuch rotationand movement said distributor, for upwardly and downwardlymoving said distributor during such rotation, and

for revolubly suspending said distributor during such rotation andupward and downward movement, and upwardly and downwardly screwablesustainer means for said bearing means, for sustaining said bearingmeans, in operative relation to and movable upwardly and downwardly withsaid bearingmeans and relatively to said casing during rotation of saiddistributor, for upwardly and downwardly moving said bearing means,upwardly and downwardly screwable relatively to said chamber duringrotation of said bearing means, for upwardly and downwardly moving saidbearing means during such rotation, and revolubly connected to saidbearing means for revolubly sustaining said bearing means and saiddistributor during such' rotation and movement of the latter. a

45. A separator comprising a casing enclosing a separating chamber andhaving a lower current inlet and an upper current outlet, a blower incommunication with said chamber for causing a fluid current to flowthrough said inlet and up through said chamber and through said outlet,for separating and floating fine material from said chamber, adistributor within said chamber, for supplying material to be separatedto such current, a rotatable and upwardly and downwardly movable bafllewall within said chamber and above said distributor, for defining thespace through.

which such current is permitted to flow, and upwardly and downwardlymovable during rotation for vertically varying such space, for varyingsuch separation, and rotary drive means drivingly connected to saidbaifie wall, for rotating said baflie wall, in combination with upwardlyand downwardly movable suspension bearing means above said bafilewallfor suspending said baflle wall, in operative relation to and movableupwardly and downwardly with said baflle wall and relatively to saidcasing during rotation of said baffie wall, for upwardly and downwardlymoving said bafile wall relatively to said casing during such rotation,and upwardly and downwardly screwable sustainer means for said bearingmeans, in operative relation to and upwardly and downwardly movable withsaid bearing means during such rotation and movement of said bafl'lewall, and upwardly and downwardly screwable relatively to said chamberduring such rotation of said baflle wall, for upwardly and downwardlymoving said bearing means during such rotation and. movement, revolublyconnected to said bearing means, for revolubly sustaining said bearingmeans during such rotation and upward and downward movement of saidbearing means and said baflle wall.

GEORGE H. FRASER.

